§ Mr. Simeonsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the value of sums held under the liability defects clause inserted into building contracts in respect of schools.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeThe letting of school building contracts is a matter for the local education authorities and governors and managers of voluntary schools. Normally the R.I.B.A. form of contract is used and for most contracts 2½ per cent. of the value is withheld during the maintenance period, usually six months. The total value of these sums is not known to the Department.